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What term describes the contraction phase of the heart?

  1. Diastole

  2. Systole

  3. Palpitation

  4. Murmur

The correct answer is: Systole

The term that describes the contraction phase of the heart is systole. During systole, the heart muscles contract, which pumps blood out of the heart chambers. Specifically, during this phase, the ventricles contract to push blood into the pulmonary artery and aorta, facilitating circulation throughout the body. Systole is a crucial part of the cardiac cycle, directly influencing blood pressure and flow. In contrast, diastole refers to the relaxation phase of the heart, where the chambers fill with blood. Palpitation is a term used to describe an unusual awareness of the heartbeat, while murmur refers to an abnormal sound during the heartbeat, often indicative of turbulent blood flow. Understanding these terms is essential for comprehending how the cardiovascular system operates during the cardiac cycle.